Means for moistening pieces of paper and like material



l 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 22,. 1944. B 1 BENNETT MEANS FOR MOISTENING PIECES OF PAPER AND LIKE MATERIAL Filed Sept. 25, 1941 Feb. 22, 1944. B, BENNETT 2,342,524

MEANS FOR MOISTENING PIECES OF PAPER AND LIKE MATERIAL Filed Sept. 23, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 TTORNEV Feb. 22, 1944. BIJ. BENNETT 2,342,524

MEANS FOR -MOISTENING PIECES OF PAPER AND LIKE MATERIAL Filed Sept. 25,v 1941 '4 Sheets-Sheet 3 4 TTOPNE Y Feb. 22, 1944. '5.' .L ENNETJT 2,342,524

MEANS FOR MOISTENING PIECES OF PAPER AND LIKE MATERIAL Filed Sept. 23, 1941. 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Feb. 22, 1944 MEANS FOR MOISTENING PIECES OF PAPER AND LIKE MATERIAL Benjamin James Bennett, Leicester, England Application September 23, 1941, Serial No. 412,042 In Great Britain October 8, 1940 9 Claims.

This invention relates to means for moistening pieces of paper and like material, and has reference, more particularly, to means for applying a moistening agent to sheets or strips of paper or like material preparatory to being printed upon, but is not necessarily limited in this respect as it may be used for applying adhesive to or for moistening sheets, strips or like pieces of material already coated with adhesive for use for other purposes.

The present invention is applicable for use principally in association with a reproducing, recording, duplicating, or manifolding machine or apparatus wherein reading, advertising or/and illustrative matter is printed upon previously moistened copy sheets of paper from a master sheet or form on a printing cylinder or drum. In this respect the invention is mainly intended for use in association with rotary mirror script duplicating machines of the kind wherein copy sheets are individually moistened and passed between a mirror script master sheet, carried on a rotary drum, and a (1o-operating pressure roller whereby they are caused to receive, by impression thereon, copies of the mirror script or image from the master sheet.

As will be understood, the expression mirror script herein used means the matter or image formed in reverse manner on the master sheet by writing, typewriting, drawing or other known process, which matter or image is adapted to make non-reversed copies on the copy sheets.

In duplicating machines of the kind concerned, the moistening of the sheets is eected by their contact with a moistening device prior to their passage between the rotary drum and pressure roller.

It has been found by experience that for moistening the copy sheets a moistening device such as a stationary pad, felt or other absorbent strip or some similar body is preferable to a device of roller form since it is adapted to'more eiiiciently moisten the copy sheets as they have a rubbing or wiping contact with it.

Where a moistening device of pad, strip or other non-rotating form has been provided and, as is customary, the copy sheets have been drawn through the machine by the pressive co-operation of the rotary drum and pressure roller, it has been necessary to separate the moistening device and feed table or other support for the copy sheets in order to provide a space between them to permit introduction of the forward edge of the' copy ysheet to' the drum and roller sothat it could be,

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taken hold of by them to be drawn through. After such introduction of the copy sheet contact between it and the moistening device was established so that as the sheet was subsequently drawn through, by the action of the rotary drum and pressure roller, it was moistened by passage in contact with said device. The moistening device is, of course, situated in front'of, i.e. on the entrance side of the converging portions of the drum and roller between which the copysheet is introduced, and since during insertion of the copy sheet in the way and for the purpose 'mentioned the moistening device was not operativethe result has been that a portion of the copy sheet, corresponding to the distance the moistening device was situated from the line onv which the drum and roller would nip the iront 'edge of the said sheet, has not been moistened.` With duplicating machines having a moistening .device of the type referred to it has not therefore been possible, so far as I am aware,'to' 'meisten the whole or practically the whole of a copy sheet prior to its passage between the drum and roller, consequently there has been a heading or forward marginal portion of the sheet which could not take an impression from the ymaster sheet and in cases where the copy matter might otherwise have extended nearer to the edge of the copy sheet a blank space has furthe reason stated had to be left and consequently Wasted.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide moistening means especially applicable for use in connection with a duplicating or like machine and adapted to moisten practically the whole of a piece of paper such as a copy sheet.

Another object of the invention isto provide moistening means adapted to give much longer life in use before requiring renewal of the contacting moisture transmitting or applying member.

A further object of the invention is to provide d moistening means with an improved arrangeimproved regulation of the supply of the meistening agent from a container to said transmitting portion, and also to provide moistening means of a generally simplified construction by eliminating feed pipes and controlling valves from the supply system thereby reducing costs of production and maintenance.

According to this invention a moistening device or member is provided which is adapted to operate initially with turning motion for moistening the leading or forward marginal space of a piece of material to be treated, and then with rubbing or wiping contact with the said piece for moistening the remainder thereof while the said piece is being drawn past the moistening device or member.

In this respect the invention is advantageousiy applicable to the moistening of copy sheets in that the leading or forward marginal space which, as aforesaid, has previously been left blanl; can, if desired, be used for the reception of copy matter by impression from the master sheet or form in a duplicating or like printing machine.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and readily carried into practical effect, specific examples thereof as applied to a duplicating machine of the rotary mirror script type will now be described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, wherein,

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional View of a duplicating machine showing one example,

Figure 2 is an elevational view of the moistening mechanism, per se, as viewed in the direc` tion of the arrow A in Figure l but showing the moistening band as it appears after being moved forwards,

Figures 3 and 4 are side views of said moistening mechanism as seen in the direction of the arrows B and C (Figure 2) respectively,

Figure 5 is a general perspective View of the container from which the moistening agent is supplied to the moistening band,

Figure 6 is a detail sectional view showing means employed to secure the moistening band on its carriers,

Figure is another detail sectional view illustrating the precise manner in which the ends of the band are secured upon the container,

Figure 8 is a diagram representing a piece of material in the nip of the inoistening band and a co-operating bed roller,

Figure 9 is a somewhat similar diagram showing the same parts after the moistening device has been turned to feed the piece of material forwards into the nip of the printing cylinder or drum and the pressure roller,

Figure -10 illustrates a modification,

Figure 11 shows, in a attened condition, a form of endless moistening band adapted for ready adjustment on its carriers, and

Figures 12, 13 and 14 are detail sectional views showing alternative arrangements for ensuring that the forward edge oi' a sheet is gripped between the moistening band and the bed roller, as will be hereinafter described.

Like parts are designated by similar reference characters throughout the drawings.

Figures 6, 7, l2, 13 and 14 are drawn to a larger scale than the remaining figures.

Referring to Figure 1 Iit will be seen that the machine includes a main frame comprising suitably shaped side members I which are spaced apart and connected by transverse rods 2. The

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printing cylinder or drum e is rotatably mounted between the side frame members l and adapted to be turned by means of a handle 4 through the medium of gearing 5, 6. Co-operating with the cylinder or drum 3 is a pressure roller 'I which, in accordance with conventional practice, is rotatably mounted in spring-controlied bearings such as 8 carried by pivoted levers S-one at each side of the frame. These levers are adapted to be acted upon by bossed cam-like elements I0 rigidly secured to a cross shaft Ii which latter is turnable in its bearings by means of a lever I2. By turning the leverI I2 in one direction or the other the degree of pressure exerted by the roller I upon the printing cylinder or drum 3 can be varied, according to requirenrents.

In this example, the moistening device is in the form of an endless band D carried by a transverse hollow cylinder or tube I3 sealed at both ends so as to constitute a container for a. moistening agent, e. g. a spirituous medium such as alcohol, and by an appropriately spaced transverse roller or spindle I4 both rotatably mounted together with a co-operating bed roller I5 in suitable bearings in an auxiliary frame E located in front of the machine at an appropriate distance from the printing cylinder or drum 3 and its co-operating pressure roller 1. The arrangement is such that the distance :1: between the nip of the printing cylinder or drum 3 and the pressure roller 'I and the nip of the endless band D and the bed roller I5 is substantially equal to the leading or forward marginal space of a copy sheet hereinbefore referred to.

upon the container I3.

The endless band D is of a composite character comprising a pad I6 of felt, flannel or sponge rubber faced with wash leather II and lengths I8 of elastic webbing which are secured The facing of wash leather assures a more even spreading of the moisture. The end portions of the pad I6 project beyond the leather facing and are reinforced by metal or equivalent strips I9 which latter are secured in position b-y superposed broader strips 2D of textile material Stitched to the said pad in the manner shown more clearly in Figure 7. The portions of elastic webbing are formed into loops and secured at their inner ends between the pad I6 and the textile strips 20. The elastic loops projecting from the opposite ends of the pad are carried .by bars 2l and 22 respectively. These two carrier bars are formed with holes to enable them to fit one on top of the other on a longitudinal series of screwed studs or pegs 23 provided on the container I3 (see Figure 5). When placed in position the bars 2l and 22 are clamped down upon the container I3 by means of tapped elements 24 screwed onto the studs or pegs 23. Each of the elements 24 is formed wtih a knurled head 24a as shown more clearly in Figure 6. The portions of elastic webbing therefore complete the 'band D and, in addition to providing a ready means of securing the band to the container, serve to tension the absorbent pad I6 about the roller or spindle I4.

The auxiliary frame E comprises spaced side members 25 connected by transverse rods such as 26 and 2'I and is mounted upon the rear end of a table (bed or tray) 28. That is to say, the table extends in front of the moistening device with its rear end located adjacent to the converging portions of the band D and the bed roller I5 suchwise that copy sheets, fed bv hand or automatically, are accurately presented to the nip of the band and the bed roller. The auxiliary frame E, the entire moistening device and the table 28 together constitute a unitary assemblage capable of being removed from the main frame of the machine as occasion may demand. To enable this assemblage to `be readily removed from and placed in position in the machine the sides of the table are formed with depending flanges 28a adapted to be received in and to slide between pairs of guides 29, 3B at opposite sides of the main frame. When the assemblage is inserted in the guides and pushed into position abutments 3| secured to the sides of the table come into contact with the frontal edges of the side members I, thereby accurately determining the precise position of the moistening device with respect to the printing cylinder or drum 3 and the pressure roller 'I. As shown in Figure 1, the moistening device is enclosed by a cover or casing consisting of a back plate 32 and an associated hinged front lid 33 both of which are attached to the side frame members 25.

The roller or spindle I4 is preferably of metal,

whereas the co-operating bed roller I5 may be made of rubber, libre, metal or any other suitable material. The bed roller I5, moreover, is yieldably mounted in which connection its ends are provided with pintles I5a working in slots 25a in the auxiliary frame members 25. In this way the roller I5 is permitted slight movement within limits relatively to the moistening pad IB to compensate for differences in thickness of material passing Ibetween them, and this movement is controlled by two tension springs 34 serving to maintain pressive co-operation of the rollerand the pad. One of the springs 34 is anchored to the outer end of each pintle I5a and is made adjustable by reason of connection to an adjustable pin 35 (see Figures 2, 3 and 4). As shown more clearly in Figure 2, the roller or spindle I4 and the bed roller I5 are geared together for which purpose they are furnished at one side of the device with intermeshing gear wheels 3B and 31.

The container I3 is formed with a longitudinal series of small vents I3a and in the normal position of the container, i. e. the position indicated in Figure 1, the vents are disposed upwards so as to Iprevent escape of the contents 38 of the container. The container is also provided with a filler and a filler cap 39 at one end.

The container may be provided with trunnions such as 40 (Figure 5) or with a central spindle for mounting it in the auxiliary frame E. In the case of trunnions these may be formed integrally with or xed in discs employed to close the ends of the aforementioned hollow cylinder or tube. If a central spindle is provided, glands or/and suitable packings may also be provided at the ends of the container to prevent leakage of the contents.

The container is also iitted with an air regulating valve 4I whereby air is admitted thereto so that the moistening agent is caused to drip from the vents I3a when the latter are disposed downwards by reason of rotation of the container. The valve 4I is adjustable, e. g. by means of a screwed spindle, to regulate the pressure of air and consequently the issuance of the moistening agent from the container. By closing this valve the flow of the moistening agent from the container may be cut off entirely in the event of the band D being sufficiently permeated, or when the duplicatingmachine is `not in use. By operating the valve suiciently the band may be lquickly saturated in the event of it becoming kdry as the result of not being used for some time, or of evaporation of the moistening agent. The valve 'is preferably of the ball and spring type in which the ball is pressed by the spring upon a conical seat. Alternatively. a needle 'valve or s an air regulating valve of any other suitable type may be employed.

For the purpose of turning theband D first in one `direction and subsequently in they reverse direction the container I3, in this example, is controlled by a tension spring 42 which, when permitted, functions to turn the container in the direction indicated by the arrow F (Figures l and 8) to move the pad I6 forwards, and intermediate mechanism, including Va pivoted lever 43 and a roll V44, is arranged between the container and the printing cylinder or drum ,3 suchwise that when the latter is rotated the roll and the lever are brought into and out of contact with each other whereby, while said last mentioned parts remain in contact, the container is turned against lthe action of the spring 42 and temporarily restored to its normal inoperative position in a loaded condition, but when contact between the roll and the lever is broken the container is released and consequently partially rotates in the same direction (F) as the printing cylinder or drum under the inuence of said spring. Specifically, the spring 42 is located beneath the table 28 where it is anchored at one end to a tension adjusting screw 45 and connected at its other end to a length of wire cable 46. This cable is passed around a` pulley 41 which is mounted in a U-shaped bracket 48 secured beneath the table, whereupon it extends up through a slot 28h in said table and is secured to the container I3 at or near one end thereof. The trunnion 48 at the opposite end of the container has rigidly secured thereto a pulley 49 which is connected to a curved end oi' the lever 43 by means of a short length of wire cable 50 (Figure 4). This lever is pivoted centrally upon a reduced end portion 26a of the transverse rod 2S and at its free end is formed with a curved recess 43a for a purpose presently to be mentioned. A bar 5I carrying the roll 44 is attached to the appropriate end of the printing cylinder or drum 3 so that upon the said cylinder or drum being rotated in the usual way by means of the handle 4, the roll is brought into contact with the lever 43 the free end of which is thereby depressed. When the roll enters the recess 43a the attendant interrupts rotation oi the printing cylinder or drum so that the lever is temporarily maintained in the position shown in Figures l and 8.L By reason of the lever 43 being turned in the manner just described the container is positively driven against the influence of the spring 42 in an anti-clockwise directionas viewed in Figure 1-'and thereby restored to its normal inoperative position shown in that figure. If now rotation of the printing cylinder or drum 3 is continued, the roll 44 rides oi the end of the lever 43 to effect release of the latter whereupon the container I3 is free partially to rotate under the spring iniluence. Consequently, the vents I3a in the .container are inverted so that the moistening agent drips onto the inside and permeates to the outside of the pad I6, and a corresponding amount of turning motion is imparted to the band D and the cooperating bed roller I5 whereby asheet s fed into the nip of the band and the bed roller (Figure 8) is` fed forwards tothe printing cylinder or drum 3 and the pressure roller l (Figure 9), and at the time a corresponding length of the moistened 'cy rotary action of the pad portion the band about the transverse roller or spindle ifi. The degree of rotary motion permitted to the container i3 is limited by means presently to be described, but is just sucient to enable the leading edge or end of the length of material fed forwards to enter the nip of the printing cylinder or drum 3 and the pressure l, whereaiter the container and hence also the band remains stationary while the remainder of the sheet s is drawn between the pad I5 and the bed roller i5, during which time the pad in effect operates with rubbing or wiping action on the sheet. In this way each sheet is completely mois-tened. The container I3 is positively driven in the reverse direction and restored to its inoperative position in the manner previously described.

As shown more clearly in Figure 3, the means for limiting rotary motion of the container in bo directions consists of a lever 52 which is rigidly secured to one or the trunnions il and works between two spaced stops or abutments and dll attached to the appropriate side of the auxiliary frame By adjusting this lever cr the two stops or abutments, diierent parts of the pad can be brought round to the operative position to form the cont-actual portion when wear takes place.

Alternatively and for a similar purpose, the endless band and the container may, as already alluded to herein, be provided respectively with complementary means for adiustably securing the band on the container and the other carrier. According to one construction a band D1 of the modified form depicted in Figure l1 is provided with two or more transverse series of eyelets 55 (or sockets) adjacent to each end and the container it is provided with a corresponding longitudinal series of studs or pegs or like projections (like the studs 23) with which one series of eyelets adjacent to each end of the band is engaged so that the ends of the band overlap on the container. When eyelets are provided in the band these may be a press t on the studs, pegs or like projections. In another construction the eyelets are such as freely to engage the studs, cr like projections, and a clamping strip, lar to one of the bars 2i, 22, formed with a corresponding series of holes is provided for engagement with the studs, pegs, or like projections over the overlapping ends of the band D1 and is fixed by nuts so as to secure the band in position. Thus by unfastening the band and engaging different series of eyelets with the studs, pegs, or like projections, diierent contactual portions of the band can be brought into use as and when reqii"ed. The eyeletted portions of the band may be reinforced by strips of fabric, felt, Celluloid, rubber, metal or other suitable material. In a iur-ther alternative, the band may be frictionally engaged with one or both of its carriers, so as to permit of its being both driven and adjusted.

Instead of a single spring 42 for controlling the container there may be a spring 42 at each side of the mechanism to check any tendency of the latter to twist. Moreover, a lever such as '23 for restoring the container to its inoperative position may be provided at either or both sides of the mechanism.

In another example of the invention the container it is controlled by a spring, such as a tension, torsion, spiral (clock) or like spring whereby it is retained in its' normal position, and intermediate gearing and lugs are arranged between the container and the printing cylinder or drum 3 suchwise that when the latter is rotated in the usual way the lugs are brought into and out of contact with each other whereby, while the lugs remain in Contact, the container is partially rotated against the action of its spring and in the same direction as the printing cylinder or drum, and when the contact between the lugs is broken or ceases the container reverts to its original position under the influence of its spring. In the speciiic driving arrangement of this character shown in Figure 16, one lug 55 is mounted on one end of the printing cylinder or drum 3, the other, 5l, is mounted on a gear wheel 5S arranged on the auxiliary frame between the cylinder or drum and the container I3, and a pinion 59 is mounted on the adjacent end of the container in mesh with the intermediate gear wheel 58. A return spring iii) is associated with the gear wheel 58 but, if desired, may be associated with the pinion :i9 or directly with the container I3. In any event the spring is connected at one end to the selected gear wheel or the container, as the case may be, and at the other end to a suitable fixed part. Consequently when the container is driven by the lugs 55 and 5l, a corresponding amount of turning motion is imparted to the band D and the co-operating bed roller I5 whereby a sheet fed into the nip of the band and the bed roller is fed forwards to the printing cylinder or drum 3 and the pressure roller 1, and at the same time a corresponding length of the sheet is moistened by rotary action of the band about the associated transverse carrier roller or spindle I4. The lugs are of such a length and so arranged relatively that during contact with each other the length of paper fed forwards is sufficient to enable the leading edge or end to enter the nip of the printing cylinder or drum and the pressure roller, after which Contact between the lugs is broken or ceases whereupon the container reverts to and remains in its original position under the spring influence while the remainder of the sheet is drawn between the moistening device and bed roller, during which time the band in effect operates with rubbing or wiping action on the sheet.

Instead of adopting lugs as aforesaid a toothed segment or equivalent may be provided on the printing drum or cylinder 3 for engagement' with a gear wheel arranged between the printing drum or cylinder and a gear wheel on the container. Alternatively, the driving arrangement between the cylinder or drum and the container may consist of mutilated gearing, or may include a one way clutch or free wheel device adapted tc slip or to disengage at an appropriate time to produce the same result as the lugs.

In either of the examples described the container may be of circular, polygonal, e. g. hexagon, or other appropriate cross sectional shape and the associated roller or other carrier for the band may be of corresponding formi The said roller or other carrier may be constituted in the main or partly of absorbent material like the band.

As already alluded to herein, if desired, the band may be frictionally engaged with the container so as to be adjustable thereon and yet driven thereby. In such a construction either the inside of the band, or the surface of the container, or both, is or are roughened or furnished with a roughened covering so as to provide a gripping surface 'or surfaces. For instance, either or both of the surfaces may be provided by reverts to its original position before the remainder of the sheet passes it, and with rubbing or wiping action when the band remains stationary after reverting to its original position. Likewise in the rst described arrangement wherein the band is not restored to its original position until after the sheet has passed it, the said portion also operates with rubbing or wiping action, the complete device nevertheless being maintained in a fixed position in relation to the printing cylinder or drum. Consequently it is the portion of the band which opposes the bed roller or equivalent opposing member when the band remains stationary, when in use, that takes most of the wear and thus, when this portion becomes unduly worn, a fresh portion may be brought into use by appropriate adjustment as aforesaid.

In some instances it may be found desirable to make provision whereby when the moistening device is in its normal inoperative position, there is a small space between it and the co-operating bed roller I5 to receive the forward edge of a sheet s of material, this space being provided just in advance of the nip of the pad IB and the roller I5 so as to make certain of the sheet being gripped by the pad immediately the latter next commences to turn, i. e. move forwardly.A `To this end the juncture between the forward end of the pad I5 and the elastic webbing I8 may be so arranged as normally to be located as indicated in Figure 12, thereby providing a space 6I for insertion of the forward edge of the sheet s. Alternatively, the forward end portion II1 of the pad I6 may be recessed or grooved to provide a space 62 for the intended purpose (see Figure 13). Or the bed roller I5 may itself be grooved as indicated at I51 in Figure 14 to provide the space required and also to form a stop up to which the forward edge of the sheet s can be fed when inserted into this space. In the latter arrangement, h'owever, it would be desirable to drive either the roller III or the bed roller I5, e. g. by chain or gearing, from the container I3 to ensure return of the groove |51 to its correct normal position each time; or for the same purpose the bed roller I5 could be returned by spring or equivalent means to a suitably arranged stop.

The term endless used in the foregoing de;- scription and in the appended claims as applied to the band should be understood as meaning that such band may, in a literal sense, beof continuous form without ends or that it may consist of a pad or strip of materialr having its ends joined or connected. The latter form is the one preferred in which case the ends of the pad or strip may, to form the endless band, be directly fastened together in the manner hereinbefore described or connected by clips or other suitable fasteners preferably 'of a kind which permit of easy removal or unfastening to enable the band to be detached when necessary for adjustmentv as aforesaid or replacement by anew one; or

the ends of the pad or strip may be fastened or connected to loops or pieces of elastic webbing (as herein described) or to the opposite ends of an elastic or other insertion. v'I'he elastic webbing or insertion when provided keeps the band (of endless form) tensioned on its carrier means.

What I claim then is:

l. In a duplicating machine, in combination, a printing drum, a co-operating pressure roller, means for rotating the printing drum, a moistening device including a rotatable member, spring means connected to said member and effecting rotation thereof for controlling said device and under the influence of which the device is caused to operate initially with turning motion, intermediate drive-transmitting means connecting the drum and moistening device and driving the latter in the reverse direction against the action of the spring means to restore it to its normal inoperative position at appropriate times, and a bed roller with which said device is arranged to (so-operate, the construction and arrangement being such that when a piece cf sheet material is fed. into the nip of the moistening device and the comoperating bed roller, the said device operates initially with turning motion to moisten the leading,- marginal portion of the piece and to feed it to the nip of the printing drum and pressure roller whereupon thfe latter function to draw the remainder of the piece between the moistening devicer and the bed roller while said device operates with rubbing action, for the purpose herein specied.

2. In a duplicating machine of the rotary mirror script type, in combination, a printingdrum, a co-operating pressure roller, means for rotating said drum, a frame located in front of the machine at an appropriate distance from the printing drum and pressure roller, an endless moistening band which is carried by a transverse hollow cylinder sealed at both ends so as to constitute a container for a moistening agent and by a spaced transverse spindle, said container and spindle both being rotatably mounted in th'e frame, spring means connected to the cylinder and urging it to rotate in one direction, an operative connection between the drum and cylinder effecting intermittent counter rotation of said cylinder, and a bed roller with which said band is arranged to co-operate, the construction and arrangement being such that when a piece of sheet material is-fed into the nip of the band and the bed 'roller the said band operates initially with turning motion to moisten the leading marginal portion of the piece and to feed it to the nip of the printing drum and the pressureroller whereupon the latter function to draw the remainder of the piece between the band and the bed roller while said band operates with rubbing action, for the purpose herein specified.

In a duplicatingmachine of the rotary mirror script type, in combinationya printing drum, a co-operating pressure roller, means for rotating said drum, a frame located in front of the machine at an appropriate distance from the printing drum and pressure roller, an endless moistening band which is carried by a transverse hollow cylinder sealed at both ends so as to constitute a container for a moistening agent and by a spaced transverse spindle, said container and spindle both' being rotatably: mounted in the frame, spring means connected tothe cylinder and urging it to rotate inone direction, an

operative connection between the drinn and cylinder 'effecting intermittent counter rotation of said cylinder, a bed roller with which said band is arranged to co-operate, and a table which is mounted in iront of the moistening bandand the bed roller with its rear end located adjacent to the converging portions of the last mentioned parts, the construction and arrangement being such that when a piece of sheet material is fed along the table and into the nip of the band and the bed roller the said band operates initially with turning motion to moisten the leading marginal portion of the piece and to feed it to the nip of the printing drum and the pressure roller whereuponv the latter function to draw the remainder of the piece between the band and the bed roller while said band operates with rubbing action, for the purpose herein specified.

4. In a' duplicating machine of the rotary mirror script type, in combination, a printing drum, a co-operating pressure roller, means for rotating said drum, a frame located in front of the machine at an appropriate distance from the printing drum and pressure roller, an endless moistening band which is carried by a transverse hollow cylinder sealed at both ends so as to constitute a container for a moistening agent 'and by a spaced transverse spindle, said container and spindle both being rotatably mounted in the frame to move to and from an inactive position of band-moistening activity, a bed roller with which said band is arranged to co-operate, tensin spring means including a spring anchored at one end and provided at its other end with an operative connection to said cylinder acting to turn the container from its inactive position and hence also the band .in the same direction as the printing drum, a pivoted lever mounted on the frame in connection with the container, and a roll on the printingr drum, said lever and roll being so arranged between the container and the drum that when the latter is rotated the roll and lever are brought into and out of contact whereby, while these parts remain in contact, the container is turned against the action or the spring means and temporarily restored to its inactive position, but when contact between the roll and the lever is broken the container is released for turning movement in the same direc'- tion as the printing drum, the construction and arrangement being such that when a piece of sheet material is fed into the nip of the band and the bed roller the said band operates initially with turning motion .to misten the leading marginal portion of the piece and to feed it to the nip of the printing drum and the pressure roller whereupon the latter function to draw the remainder ofthe piece between the band and the bed roller while said 'band operates with rubbing action, for the purpose herein specified.

5. In a duplicating machine of the rotary mirrox script type, in combination, a printing drum, a co-operating pressure roller, means for rotating said'drum, a frame located in front of the machine at an appropriate distance from the printing drum and pressure roller, an endless moistening band which is carried by a transverse hollow cylinder sealed at both ends so as to constitute a container for a moistening agent and bya spaced transverse spindle,` said container and spindle both being rotatably mounted in the frame to move to vand from an inactive position to band-moistening activity, a bed roller with which said band is arranged to (zo-operate, spring means whereby the container is normally rea tained in its liquid-supply active position, and intermediate gearing and lugs operatively connecting the container with the printing drum suchwise that when the latter is rotated in the usual way the lugs are brought into and out of contact whereby, while .the lugs remain in contact, the container is partially rotated to inactive position against the spring action in the same direction as the printing drum, and when the contact between the lugs is broken the container reverts to its original position under the influ ence of the spring means, the construction and arrangementbeing such that when a piece of sheet material is fed into the nip of the band and the bed roller the said band operates initially with turning motion to meisten the leading marginal portion of the piece and to feed it to the nip of the printing `drum and the pressure roller whereupon the latter function to draw the remainder of the piece between the band and the bed roller while said band operates with rub-- bling action, for the purpose herein specified.

6. In combination, a printing drum, an oscillatory paper moistening device mounted adjacent said drum and including a paper feeding member, a Yfeed roll adjacent the path of said .member and cooperating therewith upon the said device being at `one end of its oscillatory movement, spring means operatively connected to said device and urging it to oscillate in one direction, and an operative connection intermittently oscillating thesaid device against the action of said Spring mea 'l- ,In Combinatia 2 @tintin-e drum7 a Cooperating pressure roller, means for rotating the printing drum, an oscillatory paper moistening device mounted adjacent to said drum, means operatively connected to said device and causing it to oscillate in one direction, an operative connection between the printing drum and the moistening device eiecting intermittent counter rctation of said device against the action of the last mentioned means, and a feed roller adjacent to the moistening device and actively7 cooperating therewith upon said device being at one end of its oscillatory movement, the arrangement being such `that when a piece of sheet material is ied into the nip of the moistenpg device and the cooperating feed roller, said device operates initiallyv with turning motion to meisten the leading marginal portion ofthe piece and to feed it to the nip of the printing drum and pressure roller whereuponthe latter function to draw the remainder of the piiece between the moistening device and the feed roller while said device opere ates with a rubbing action.

8. Inaduplicating machine, wherein the sheet is advanced from a feeding station to a printing unit vand is subjected to sheet-moistening action en route, av rotative printing unit including `a printing drum and a pressure roller cooperative to provide a sheet nipping point for the unit and to advance the sheet through the `printing stage by drum rotation; a sheet--moisteninCy unit including an oscillatable liquid container, a mois? toning element movable with the container, and a pressure roll cooperative with the element to provide a sheet nipping point for the mois-toning unit, said container having portage for supplying liquid to the moistening element and having lime its of oscillation such as to, render the portage inactive for liquid supply in one extreme of the oscillation range and be activefor such supply in the opposite extreme of the range; said printing and moistening units having complemental means for moving the container by and during a predetermined range of drum movement to thereby move the container from its active to its inactive liquid supply position; and means operative to move the container in the opposite direction of oscillation during drum advance beyond such predetermined range; said units and means being correlated in operation to provide the following sequence cycle of activities during a revolution of the drum: with the sheet-moistening unit in its active liquid supply position, begin advance of the drum to move the moistening unit to its inactive liquid-supply position by drum movement to prepare the sheet-nipping point for the reception of the sheet leading edge at such point to permit sheet positioning relative to such nipping point; during continuance of drum rotation move the moistening unit container to its active liquid-supply position and advance the sheet by the moistening unit to present the sheet leading edge to the sheet-nipping point of the printing unit, and concurrently moisten the leading marginal portion of the sheet by advance of the moistening element therewith at the sheet-advancing speed; and thereafter advancing the sheet by printing unit advance to complete the drum rotation and apply the printing impression, and concurrently maintain the position of the moistening unit in its active liquid-supply position to meisten the residue of the sheet length by rubbing or wiping action of the element during the sheet advance through the moistening unit.

9. A machine as in claim 8, characterized in that the drum rotation is manually provided and permits an intermediate dwell in machine operation, said dwell being timed to maintain the moistening container in its inactive liquid-supply position and maintain the moistening unit nipping point in its prepared condition to receive the leading edge of the sheet during the period of the dwell.

BENJAMN JAMES BENNETT. 

